That His Heart May Not Be Lifted Up Above His Countrymen

In His wisdom, God gave Israel a list of guidelines in Deuteronomy 17 for everyone serving as king over them. Needless to say, these guidelines are still useful today. One section in Deuteronomy 17:18-20 is of particular interest.

Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. It shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left, so that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom in the midst of Israel.

Every king of Israel was instructed to hand copy ( There were no printing presses in those days. ) all the word of God that was written up to that point. The Levitical priests were supervisors, making sure it was all correct. That’s a lot of work! What was the purpose of such a command?

This passage says one reason was “that he may learn to fear the LORD his God”. When a king respects God, he is more likely to rule well — knowing God Almighty is King of kings.

A very important reason was “that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen”. Kings who imagine they are better than their “countrymen”, become overbearing, arrogant, and crooked — bringing God’s eternal judgment down upon themselves.

Hand writing a copy of God’s word helps a person to remember what it says. Remembering guides our conscience and actions.

All of God’s wisdom for kings is also good for us — so we daily study God’s word that we may humbly live by it.

Ever glad for God’s word, we say, “Hallelujah! LORD, thank You for leading us in Your word.”